THE former head of the Northern Ireland Prison Service, a Paralympian swimmer and Northern Ireland football manager Michael O'Neill have had their achievements recognised in the New Year's Honours list.

More than 100 people from the north are named on this years's list.

They include Sue McAllister, who in 2012 was appointed director general of the Prison Service, the first woman to hold the most senior position within a prison service in the UK.

In November 2015, an inspection report was highly critical of prison leadership, finding that Maghaberry was the most dangerous prison ever inspected.

She receives the Companions of the Order of the Bath (CB).

Co Down swimmer Bethany Firth, who won three swimming gold medals at the Rio Paralympics, has been recognised with the MBE.

Bethany also took a silver in Brazil to make her the most successful member of the UK team, after securing another gold medal four years ago in London when she represented Ireland.

Northern Ireland manager Michael O'Neill who has been made an MBE in the list for his sporting achievements.

O'Neill, who guided the international team to its first ever European Championships in the summer, was honoured for services to football and the community

Also receiving an MBE is Derry's Sandra Biddle, director of the Foyle School of Speech and Drama.

Sandra Biddle, director of Derry's Foyle School of Speech and Drama, receives an MBE

There is one knighthood, for Prof John McCanny from Queen's University Belfast.

The full list is as follows:

:: Knight Bachelor- Knighthood

Professor John Vincent McCanny, for Higher Education and Economic Development

Prof John McCanny, who has received a knighthood in the New Year Honours list. Picture by Paul McErlane, Queen's University/Press Association